Leadership Transition at the Graduate School of Applied and Professional Psychology

August 13, 2024

Dear Rutgers–New Brunswick Community,

With mixed emotions, I announce that Dr. Arpana Inman will step down as dean of the Graduate School of Applied Psychology (GSAPP), effective August 30, 2024.
 
During these past two years, Dean Inman’s leadership has positioned GSAPP to continue its education, research/scholarship, and public service mission. The core values of achieving excellence are demonstrated in the GSAPP's academic excellence and ongoing achievements, which include increasing access to interdisciplinary programs, building collaborations within New Brunswick and across Rutgers CLUs, developing online degree and certificate programs, as well as hybrid degree programs and online international partnership programs with hospitals in Korea. Under Dean Inman’s leadership, new partnerships for Autism and MTSS training were developed, and the School Psychology Program received a full 10-year re-accreditation by APA. Dean Inman also served as one of the tri-chairs for the ScarletWell Initiative, with GSAPP as the leading school prioritizing self-care and mental health.
 
Dean Inman will continue her scholarship as a Distinguished Professor at GSAPP in the Department of Clinical Psychology. She plans to bring two major international conferences to Spring 2025. I wish her success in her transition to her faculty role as she continues to support GSAPP.
 
I am pleased to announce that Dr. Daniel Hart, a University Professor and former Provost and Executive Vice Chancellor of Rutgers–Camden, has been appointed Interim Dean of GSAPP, effective September 1, 2024. Dr. Hart, a graduate of Harvard University, is a distinguished developmental psychologist with an impressive career spanning several decades at Rutgers.
 
Dr. Hart, a recipient of the prestigious Daniel Gorenstein Award, is widely recognized for his impactful work with Camden's youth. His research has not only advanced our understanding of developmental psychology but also brought positive change to the community. 
 
Since joining the Rutgers–Camden Department of Psychology in 1984, Dr.  Hart has made significant contributions in both faculty and leadership roles, shaping the institution's academic and research landscape. His academic administrative experience dates to 1996, when he served as department chair. Since then, he has served in various leadership roles, including Director for the Center for Children and Childhood Studies, Graduate Director in the Department of Psychology, Senior Vice Chancellor, and most recently, Provost and Executive Vice Chancellor. 
 
As Interim Dean of GSAPP, Dr. Hart will bring extensive experience, vision, and dedication to leading the school through this transitional period. I am confident that under his guidance, GSAPP will continue to excel in its mission to train future leaders in applied and professional psychology. 
 
Please join me in thanking Dean Inman and welcoming Dr. Hart to his new role. Thank you all in advance for supporting him as he leads GSAPP forward.

Sincerely,

Francine Conway, Ph.D.
Chancellor and Distinguished Professor
Rutgers University–New Brunswick